Customer Reviews

Ape to Angel

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've collected a number of albums released on the Waveform label lately, and I've been consistently impressed. Pitch Black has been my latest Waveform discovery, and they're a good example of the label's "sound:" really bassy, dub-influenced, echo-effects, some multicultural samples scattered throughout, and while the whole package is pretty laid-back and mellow it's definitely beat-oriented enough that the listener doesn't get bored. You can dance to many of these tracks if played loud enough, or just have it on in the background while chilling at home.

I'm also a real pushover for a good bassline and these guys deliver some excellent dubbed-up bass workouts. Check out track 7: the bass is so deep it kind of has a paralyzing effect on your cerebellum and makes you feel like you're floating on a sea of puffy white marshmellows... or maybe that's just me. Anyway, this disc gets my recommendation.

Apparently they also have a number of other albums that aren't available in North America yet, so hopefully Waveform will start releasing their back catalogue sometime soon (hint, hint!) Similar artists worth checking out, if you like these guys, would be Children of Dub and labelmates Sounds from the Ground, Phutureprimitive, and A Positive Life.

This album is amazing! If you love dub - especially 21st century dub - then this is the album you've been waiting for. While being tough to locate - this New Zealand duo has been producing dubbed out greatness for 3 albums now! "Ape to Angel" is their first American release - and it's a stunner! Perfect for chilling out to or firing up that spliff and doing a little armchair traveling - this album hits all the right notes. There's touches of drum and bass, house and breaks - all drenched in dub!!! It's dubtastic!

Ape to Angel, great music, if ZeroOne's Ozone would not exist, I would give it the First Place in my heart. I was surprised that Rude Mechanicals did not impress me, totally different style. All in all, Ape to Angel is a must have in my collection. I am eager to listen to a future album of Pitch Black.

Ya gotta like Pitch Black.
Their music is unlike any other.

If you want to hear them play check out their website: pitchblack.co.nz
You can buy it from their site or from Amazon... makes no difference.

I don't know the proper buzzwords to describe the genre slot, but GREAT ELECTRONIC JAM. Smooth flows, not too space-y, not minimal, not acid or jazz, somewhat loping rhythms, fast syncopation, layered, house-y, complex. Hear Track 3, Lost in Translation. Powerful. Get it. Try to resist the urge to dance.

Nah... This is the worst Pitch Black album. Try "Futureproof" or "Pitch Black", the album, if you want to experience the best of NZ dub-trance. Unfortunately several of the really first rate NZ electronic acts are now insipid and over-commercialised. For Pitch Black and Salmonella Dub, the earlier stuff is definitely the best.